MacDonald Park, usually a quiet park snuggled between Queens Boulevard and Austin Street in Forest Hills, was lively last week with music, food, contests and games to celebrate National Night Out Against Crime.

“Thirty years ago, when crime was rampant in this city and country, this was the night where the community said we’re going to take back our streets,” said 112th Precinct Captain Thomas Conforti said. “We’re going to have a good time and not worry about crime.”

At 6 p.m. on August 6, the block in front of the post office was packed with vendors and community organizations. Activities included a 10 and under tennis competition hosted by the West Side Tennis Club, hamburgers and hot dogs grilled by the Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and contests that welcomed children, adults and seniors.

“The Night Out Against Crime gives people the opportunity to speak to the police, the district attorney and to say thank you,” said 112th Precinct Council President Heidi Chain, who was celebrating her 15th Night Out event. “I just want everyone to have a good time and to be able to appropriately say 'thank you' to our officers, because they have really been doing a great job.”